The government’s outreach to all stakeholders, including the US and Israel, Iran, and the Gulf countries that have been hit by Iranian missiles and drones, is welcome. It should not matter to India who plays what role in trying to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Mr Jaishankar’s defence of India’s strategic response is understandable. New Delhi must have a contingency plan to secure India’s energy needs, especially if the conflict is prolonged. The interests of expatriate Indians — more than nine million Indians reside in the Gulf — need to be protected too.

Source: The Telegraph March 27, 2026 07:10 UTC